King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:20 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:20 in the King James Version says “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.”

1 Corinthians 10:20 · KJV

Context

18

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

20

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

21

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Read 1 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils—This verse provides Paul's theological bombshell. While idols themselves are nothing (v. 19), pagan sacrifices are not offered into a spiritual vacuum—they're offered to devils (daimoniois, δαιμονίοις, "demons"). Paul likely alludes to Deuteronomy 32:17 (LXX): "They sacrificed to demons, not to God."

Daimonia in Greek culture could mean divine beings or spirits; in biblical usage, they're fallen angels who oppose God and deceive humanity. Pagan worship, however sincere, serves demons who masquerade as gods. This doesn't validate polytheism—there's still only one true God—but it recognizes that demonic powers exploit human religious instincts, receiving worship intended for deity.

Paul's urgent concern: I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils (ou thelō hymas koinōnous tōn daimoniōn ginesthai, οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς κοινωνοὺς τῶν δαιμονίων γίνεσθαι). The same word koinōnia used for communion with Christ (v. 16) appears here—to eat at idol tables is to enter fellowship with demons. This isn't mere social impropriety; it's spiritual adultery, aligning with God's enemies. Paul's pastoral heart breaks at the prospect of beloved Christians unwittingly partnering with hell.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient temples weren't mere cultural centers—they were sites of spiritual transactions. Sacrifices, prayers, and rituals invoked spiritual powers. While participants believed they honored Zeus or Aphrodite, Paul reveals the reality: demons received the worship. Modern parallels include any religious system denying Christ's exclusive lordship—however culturally sophisticated, it ultimately serves demonic deception. Paul warns Christians to recognize and flee such spiritual danger.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern religious or spiritual practices might seem culturally neutral but actually involve fellowship with demons?
  2. How can you recognize when cultural engagement crosses into spiritual compromise that aligns you with God's enemies?
  3. Why is "fellowship with demons" such a serious concern if demons are defeated foes under Christ's authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἀλλ'1 of 19

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὅτι2 of 19

“I say that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἃ3 of 19

“the things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

θύει4 of 19

“sacrifice”

G2380

properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s

τά5 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνη,6 of 19

“the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

δαιμονίων7 of 19

“to devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

θύει8 of 19

“sacrifice”

G2380

properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s

καὶ9 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ10 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

θεῷ11 of 19

“to God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐ12 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

θέλω13 of 19

“I would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

δὲ14 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς15 of 19

“that ye”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

κοινωνοὺς16 of 19

“fellowship”

G2844

a sharer, i.e., associate

τῶν17 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δαιμονίων18 of 19

“to devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

γίνεσθαι19 of 19

“should have”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 10:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 10:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 9:20Psalms 106:37-39Deuteronomy 32:16-172 Corinthians 4:4Leviticus 17:72 Chronicles 11:15

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